Is work feeling out of control? Don’t quit, try this instead.
A feeling dread around work can be absolutely awful. Whether it’s a project not going to plan, stakeholders making life difficult or a workload that is unmanageable, feeling out of control at work is not nice at all. When you’re in this situation, you can feel totally helpless and like your only option is to look for another role. I have found the below strategy really helpful for assessing what you can do about your tricky situation and where possible turn the tables to regain some control.
Step 1 – figure out what you can do about it
This might seem super simple, but I find it really does help. Get out a pen and paper or the notes app in your phone and write an exhaustive list of everything you can do about your current situation. The only criteria here is that it has to be something you can actually do. Don’t get caught up thinking about what you should or will do (we’ll get to that later) include absolutely everything here from talking to your manager to making the decision to resign.
Step 2 – decide what you WILL do about it
This is where you make a decision about what steps you will actually take. I recommend letting your list sit for a little while. Maybe write it in the morning and then revisit it in the evening once you have finished work. Next to each item that you’ve listed, pop down what the consequences would be of taking this action. Review the list with the new column added and then make a decision about which steps you are going to take.
This process is simple, but there’s a reason it helps
The first time I heard about this process, I felt like it wasn’t anything revolutionary. It is super simple, but the reason I find it helpful is because it’s a good reminder of what is in your control when things feel out of control. Taking a step back to remind yourself of this can be extremely helpful.
Sometimes the outcome will be realising that the situation you’re in is not for you and that’s ok to. Please also remember that like all my advice, it’s important to consider whether this is a good fit for you and your current situation. If you’re not sure, talking it through with a trusted friend can help you assess what your next steps might be.